I write in opposition of the mandatory e-billing (Internet billing) that will begin fall semester according to a red flier in my last billing statement. I could lie and say that I oppose Internet billing because it will exclude families of low income from getting their bills. I also could lie and say that I oppose Internet billing because of security issues with the Internet, noting that last year the network was taken down by a virus.

In reality, I oppose e-billing because I like the monthly reminders that my postal mail provides. I resent the fact that the university will take advantage of my forgetfulness about their bills and charge me a late fee. I like the fact that with postal mail, I can write a check in five minutes and be done.

I like the fact that with a mailed bill I can simply look at the bill and know how much I owe without messing around with turning on my computer, connecting to the Internet, going to STUINFO, typing in my password, and then printing out my bill (I assume the Web site will allow me to print out my bill).

I also resent the fact that I don't read very well, which is complicated by the fact that instead of dealing with reading from a piece of paper, I am forced to read from a computer screen with e-billing.

Keith A. Korthals
chemistry graduate student